Dr. Genevra A. Walters K Community Center at Kankakee High School

Innovative Features and Athletic Space Solutions

DLA Architects designed a state-of-the-art facility that would serve as both an athletic and community hub. The facility not only provides for Kays athletics but also supports extracurricular programs like the Robotics team and JROTC. Additionally, it will house the Youth Empowerment Program, offering a vital resource for community engagement and support.

An 82,147-square-foot addition includes four basketball/volleyball courts, a 200-meter track, two long-jump pits, and a pole vault, with two courts also lined for indoor tennis. Perimeter and Court Divider curtains provide flexible separation; batting cages drop over the track. The retractable bleachers seat over 750 for an event. The project also involved renovating 17,706 square feet of the existing high school, including the conversion of the old gym into a cutting-edge indoor practice room with batting cages and synthetic turf.

Community and Educational Support Services

The second floor of the fieldhouse features new offices for the athletic department and Youth Empowerment Program, as well as a community room for events.

A unique feature that also meets community needs is the Daycare classroom. Students taking Child Development courses will have experiential learning in their career pathway with infants and young children. There is a separate entrance for children in the program and a dedicated playground for 3- to 5-year-olds.

As a community center, the $26.5 million facility was constructed using $10 million in federal ESSER funds (COVID-19 relief funds for schools) secured by the District.